As seen in today's Hamilton Spectator

They said and I quote,

“Millennials aren’t as special as they think they are, according to a new study.

Those born between the years 1982 and 2000 are characterized as being more focused on material goods such as fame, fortune and image rather than goals that help the broader community, such as saving the environment.”

It goes on to say that although Generation Y, might talk more about politics, than my generation, Generation X, they don’t act.  They are very much a Generation Me, than a Generation We.

This got me thinking about some of my comments in my recent post on the St. Patrick’s Day riots in London, Ontario. About how strongly I feel about teaching youth to be positive members of society, that work hard and think about others.  While there are certainly members of that generation that are exceptionally hard workers and empathetic citizens, like Alyzee (who writes here from time to time), I have seen these stereotypes first hand with others.  I have observed friend’s classes in post-secondary institutions, and seen a generation that is disrespectful of their teachers, treating the teacher and institution as though they work for them. They think they should be able to pick and choose what work they feel like doing, and that they should not be penalized for not completing it in full.  That same attitude is creeping into the workforce, where the young people think they know better than the boss and aren’t afraid to tell them such.  When told the quality of their work needs improving or are given notes on improvements they can make to their work, I’ve seen full grown temper tantrums and series of childish texts and unprofessional emails.  These are all of course stereotypes of the generation as a whole, but stereotypes that are increasingly being witnessed by friends and colleagues across the country.

An image of a few Millennials at the St. Patrick's Day Riot in London, Ontario.

So why then does the article go on to suggest,

“Self-indulgent or not, marketing experts recognize this generation, as potentially one of the most powerful ever.”

I think the key words in this sentence are ‘marketing experts’ and the fact that later in the article it talks about how these kids influence their parents to buy.

A Statistical Illustration of the Past 3 Generation, from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.

I question whether those marketing experts are confusing the impact of social media with that generation (when the leaders and influencers in that space, are generally those in Generation X) or if it is simply that they are bigger spenders.  If it’s the latter, then where are they getting their money?  If it’s from their parents, then doesn’t there come a point when the parents must cut the purse strings?  Will the spending be sustainable once the parents or student’s loans aren’t bankrolling the deep pockets?

Would love your opinions on this.  Do this stereotypes play true?  How long can society sustain a Generation Me?  Do we continue to make the same mistakes with the next generation?  If something doesn’t change, what will the next generation in this illustration from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology look like?

Scenes shared on twitter of St. Patrick's Day violence in London, Ontario. 2012

Back in June when the rioting happened in Vancouver, I was asked what my opinion was.  I said nothing (aside from to my close friends), as I wasn’t there and was going through my only personal Hell at the time.  When riots then broke out in England, I thought, ” it’s time, I really should share my opinion”, but I didn’t, I got busy instead.  Well enough is enough, and I am sure as Hell going to share my opinion this morning.

As the fireman said on the CBC News this morning, “Grow Up”.  This kind of behavior wasn’t acceptable when you were 5 and terroized the neighbour’s dog and your younger siblings, breaking things and throwing a fit, and it sure as Hell isn’t now that you’ve graduated to turning over vehicles, lighting them on fire and throwing beer bottles (at other people, no less).  If you weren’t given a swat on the bum when you were a kid, you probably should have been.  You need to understand that there are repercussions to your actions.  I encourage the police to show you this by charging you and Fanshaw College to show those of you that attend this by suspending or kicking you out.  This sort of behavior is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. It should not be something that youth in this country continue to brag about.

A Screenshot Shared on Twitter of Facebook bragging about the St. Patrick's Day riots in London., Ontario.

Parents – there is no excuse for your child’s behavior in this circumstance. Don’t protect them, let them hide behind you and make excuses and lie for them. Sit them down, tell them they’ve screwed up and help them find a way to make up for what they’ve done, starting by taking responsibility and owning up to their mistakes. Just watch this video.  These College Students are treating this as a party.

“The rioting was started by another group.” “The police didn’t do enough to stop us.” “I was drunk.” “My friends were doing it.” ARE NOT EXCUSES FOR YOUR ACTIONS.  You hurt and scared others and damaged property. Take responsibility and start to become a positive member of society, helping others, not hurting them for your gain or amusement.  This is real life, not a movie or a video game. If that means recognizing that your friends are not good for you and moving on from them, then so be it, that’s part of growing up and being an adult.

Future Parents – Learn from what we’ve seen as of late in society, and be a parent, not your child’s best buddy.  I know you are proud of them, but if you really want to be proud of them later on then they need a bit of tough love from time to time.  You need to teach them to respect and be considerate of others. That mistakes happen, but they need to take responsibility for them and right them. And yes, sometimes it is their fault ~ don’t pass the blame. They need to learn to work hard and be a productive member of society.  I know we like to think of them as perfect, but they’re not (none of us are), and telling them they are does them no good. And they need to learn that there are real reprecussions to their actions. You don’t want this to be the kids you raised:

A Screenshot Shared on Twitter of Facebook photos posted from the St. Patrick's Day riots in London., Ontario.

As a society, we’ve made mistakes with no fail policies and protecting our young too much. We’ve seen how destructive too much hand holding can be and passing the blame on others for our child’s failures, now it’s time to stop, and fix the mistakes we’ve made. Be aware and respectful of those around you, work hard, take pride in your work, and take responsibility for your actions.

~ Emme

• Here on Being Emme (contest closes at midnight TONIGHT, March 18th, 2012), and
• Roamancing (contest closes at midnight on Wednesday March 21st, 2012).

 

Victor Victoria plays at Vancouver's Metro Theatre, March 17th – April 7, 2012.

The Interviews …

• Victor / Victoria Director is a Size Queen ~ Gay Vancouver ~ Mark Robins

What do you do when you’ve done it all? If you’re triple threat Jeff Hyslop you look for projects that excite you, like Metro Theatre’s upcoming production of Victor/Victoria.  And if you’re director Mark Carter, you realize size sometimes does matter.

“It’s all about the script and this is a quality script.  I didn’t hesitate,” explained Hyslop (pictured right with director Mark Carter).  “It was perfect timing too as I was moving back to Vancouver and it wasn’t a starring role so the weight of show wasn’t going to rest on my shoulders.”

• Chatting with Jeff Hyslop ~ Greater Vancouver Professional Theatre Alliance ~ Trilby Jeeves

What does one limit themselves to asking when doing an interview with one of the most prolific and successful Canadian Triple Threats, actor, singer, dancer, the notable Jeff Hyslop? (Actually, “Quadruple” as he is also a director.) My challenge was to direct the myriad questions I had and the stories he had into the short, but time-stopping two hours we shared. Publicist Cheryl Hutcherson set the scene comfortably and we soon sailed into the creative, exciting, rich world of Jeff Hyslop.

Opening Night Reviews …

With Opening Night, just last night, the Reviews are only just coming in, so I will be updating this section, as I see more.

• Review Vancouver on Victor Victoria at Metro Theatre ~ Ed Farolan

It’s always a full house when the yearly musical is presented at Metro, and the cast and crew deserved the proplonged standing ovation on opening night.

• Theatre Review: Victor/Victoria – Jeff Hyslop Has Mighty Big Shoes to Fill ~ Gay Vancouver ~ Mark Robins

Filling in for an injured Jeff Hyslop, understudy Seth Little was opening night’s highlight as Metro Theatre presents the stage musicalVictor/Victoria. …  Almost at par with Little’s wonderful performance Saturday night was the scene-stealing Karin Inghammar as Norma Cassidy who milks every ounce of fun from the ditzy blonde moll as she drops malapropisms like bonbons across the stage.

Catch Victor Victoria at the Metro Theatre in Vancouver from March 17^th – April 7, 2012, with performances on Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8pm and two Sunday Matinees on March 25 & April 1 at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased here.

So what is the musical you ask?  Victor Victoria at the Metro Theatre, based on the 1982 musical comedy film by Blake Edwards (adapted from the 1933 script of a German film by Reinhold Schünzel), which I am sure there are a few in Vancouver’s Arts Community that could relate to the premise behind this story.  You see Victoria (played by Sylvia Zaradic) is a struggling performer looking for her big break. On the advice of Toddy, a middle-aged gay performer, Victoria takes on the real life role of Count Victor Grazinski, a gay Polish female impersonator.  Why you ask (or at least so you asked in my head)?  To get an agent and her big break, of course, and that is exactly what she does.  Only, as I am sure you can imagine, it is not all that smooth sailing playing the part of a man, when you become the bed ‘fellow’ of a known gangster.  Bring on the conundrums, misunderstandings and delightfully ridiculous!

Sylvia Zaradic and Jeff Hyslop, as Victoria / Victor and Toddy

Now, if this hasn’t perked your curiosity, just wait until you hear who is playing Toddy!  None other than Jeff Hyslop, the quintessential Phantom of the Opera from the traveling Canadian Production!  Also known, by those of you close in age to me, as Jeff the mannequin in the children’s show Today’s Special.  The Metro Theatre puts on great musicals, but with Jeff Hyslop in the cast, this is one musical not to miss.

So how do you win the tickets?  We have a pair of tickets to giveaway here and a pair to giveaway on Roamancing (stay tuned for that giveaway in a day or two) with your choice of Wednesday March 28 or April 4th.  To enter:

• Comment below with something crazy you have or would do for your dream job;
• The Deadline to enter is Sunday March 18th, 2012 at midnight PST.

To be entered a second, third and fourth time:

• Tweet this post with me, @EmmeRogers, @MetroTheatre and #VancouverTheatre somewhere in the tweet, so I see the tweet;
• Share this post on facebook and include @Roamancing in the text when you post it (this should link Roamancing’s facebook page, so I’ll see the post); and/or
• Share this post on G+ and include @Emme Rogers in the text when you post it (this should alert me on G+ of your post).

I shall pull the name of one lucky winner from commenters, tweeters, facebookers and G+ers, and announce the winner on Monday March 19th.  Very much looking forward to making somebody happy!

Oh, and if sadly you don’t win, the play is running at the Metro Theatre in Vancouver from March 17^th – April 7, 2012, with performances on Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8pm and two Sunday Matinees on March 25 & April 1 at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased here.

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

Alas I may not be Richard Yearwood's 'lover', but I do love that this man has no issues with hugging, kissing or telling me he loves me. The feeling is mutual and one of the many reasons I love to both work and play with this man.

These are not simply the ramblings of a gal that is single on Valentine’s Day.  I actually generally prefer my single Valentines, as more people tell me they love me and I am never met with disappointment.  Plus Fuzzywiggle Furrypants Roo makes the best damn Valentine’s cat that there ever was.  She gives even more kisses and hugs than I do (and I’m pretty liberal with mine).

No, this is a philosophy instilled in me thanks to my parents.  And thanks to them, it is the reason that I know where I stand with my family, close friends and many of the people who I work with (who I consider to be family and close friends) ~ they love me and I love them (Hell, at  Ahimsa that seems to be one of the long term prerequisites ~ do they have talent and do we love them ~ necessary after all, when we do long hours, all over the World).  And as I get older and have sadly started to lose some of the people in my life that I love, it is for this reason that I always know the last thing that I said to them ~ I  love you! (and despite saying these words often, every day of my life, they are not hollow words).

And with that, I send all you lovely readers some hugs …

With smooches to Ian MacLatchy for posting this video on our producer, Erica’s, facebook wall, where I spotted it.

Love and Kisses,

Emme xoxo

The upswing of Alyzee and I missing out is that Langara College’s Studio 58 has decided to extend our two tickets to you delightful people in a little theater giveaway for their latest play.  I’ll get to that in a minute, as first I’ll fill you in on the play.

Photographer: David Cooper

The play is Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, but Julius Caesar with a twist, a Julius Caesar gender bender.  You see, when casting for the play, Director Scott Bellis decided to break with tradition and offer the parts of Caesar, Brutus, Cassius and Octavius to women.  I must say this very much tickles my fancies, as traditionally the parts of women in Shakespeare’s play would have been played by men.

For those of you not familiar with Julius Caesar, it is Shakespeare’s masterpiece of political power-play and manipulation, examining the conflict between one person’s ambition and the good of the state, all set in a life-and-death struggle for control of Rome. As Director Scott Bellis puts it, this is very much a tale involving traditional male roles and a story of ‘honourable men’. “In this alternate telling, we are discovering what it means for a male Mark Antony to avenge a female Caesar; what a same-sex marriage looks like in the house of Brutus;  and how being a ‘man’ can say more about your social status than your gender in this very different vision of Rome.”  Sounds fascinating!  Would love to see how all of this unfolds.

And if you are curious about Studio 58, you can read of Alyzee Lakhani’s most recent experience there with The 13th Chair.

So the Giveaway.  We have a pair of tickets to giveaway here and a pair to giveaway on Roamancing (stay tuned for that giveaway in a day or two) with your choice of Wednesday February 8th at 8 pm, Thursday February 9th at 8 pm or Saturday February 11th at 3 pm.  For the giveaway here, to enter:

• Comment below with which Shakespeare character, of the opposite sex from you, you would love to play;
• Deadline Thursday February 2nd at midnight PST.

To be entered a second, third and fourth time:

• Tweet this post with me, @EmmeRogers and #VancouverTheatre somewhere in the tweet, so I see the tweet;
• Share this post on facebook and include @Roamancing in the text when you post it (this should link Roamancing’s facebook page, so I’ll see the post); and/or
• Share this post on G+ and include @Emme Rogers in the text when you post it (this should alert me on G+ of your post).

I shall pull the name of one lucky winner from commenters, tweeters, facebookers and G+ers, and announce the winner on Friday February 3rd.  Very much looking forward to making somebody happy!

Oh, and if sadly you don’t win, the play is running at Studio 58 February 2nd – 26th, Tuesdays – Saturdays at 8 pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 3 pm, and tickets can be purchased here.

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

Even the urinals were decked out for the party.

I happened upon the setup for a Sweet Sixteen today in my travels at a local Community Organization, and have to admit to being a bit of a noisy Parker, wanting to sneak a peek at each of the spaces they were transforming into what reminded me of a something from a Disney Winter Palace for a teen Princess.  It was really something else, as I am sure will be the actual party later today.  Oh to be a fly on the wall.

The establishment I was at I was not a part of, but I did hear the community’s opinions – both favourable and unfavourable. Part of me wanted to tell people to mind their business and just let the family enjoy their day, but it did get me thinking as I wandered home.  The flowers and decorations, from what I saw would have amounted to a sizable down payment on a house, and that’s before the food, entertainment, facility rental … etc. All for a Sweet Sixteen.  What would this kid’s wedding look like later on?

This got me wondering, by giving our kids so much at such a young age, are we giving them unrealistic expectations from life?  Is this what creates some of the self-entitlement issues that we are currently facing in the Western World?

Feel free to weigh in.  Would love to hear your thoughts.

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

… but it got me wondering.  I already spend way too much of my time online.  I don’t want my whole life here, and as much as I see and hear the irony in what I am saying, I don’t want my most intimate moments here.  It is probably why I struggle with internet dating, and quite frankly suck at it.  I’ve been online all day, I don’t then want to go hang out in the virtual bar to meet someone, I want to go to the real bar (especially as I prefer real drinks to virtual ones).

So would I want a guy to propose to me with a virtual tool, no matter how creative?  HELL NO!  It’s also so public, and I’m of the believe that a proposal should be a personal moment between two people, not the entire web. So yes, in case you’re thinking of proposing to me, that also means that proposals on Sporting Screens (or trons or whatever the hell they call them), at a party surrounded by friends, or over dinner with the families, is also out. Take me for a walk, a hike or picnic.  Somewhere where it is just you and I.

So am I alone here?  Would you want to be proposed to via an internet video?

Kisses,

Emme xoxo

To be honest, no one has ever set me up on a blind date.  Before, the idea would have petrified me.  I mean it seems like such an awkward experience.  Now, I guess still being single, I’d consider it, but I’d really have to trust the people setting me up.

Have you ever been set up on a blind date?  How was it?

Sleepless nights!!! Who wants to go back to sleepless nights?! Well, our puppy cries and howls in the middle of the night so we have to get up and take her outside in case she needs to piddle.  Just picture me outside in the pitch dark freezing in my pajamas, trying to follow the dog around with the light of my cell phone.  Amen we finally bought a mega-flashlight.  My friend told me the howling is because dogs are pack animals and she is just feeling lonely and looking for her pack (us!).  We now have the puppy sleeping in a crate by our bed.  Which basically means we are ‘co-sleeping‘.

During the day when she whines we run through the same list we use to do for our babies when we had no idea what they were crying about.  Is she hungry, or thirsty, does she need to go outside, is she just bored, does she want a belly rub, or need to play?  We have to follow her around as if she was a toddler to make sure she doesn’t piddle or poop anywhere inside the house.  When she goes outside we are supposed to cheer really loud and make a very big deal of it.  “Yay! Doggy made a poopy!”  (sound familiar?)  It hit me really hard this week…we have to pick up EVERY SINGLE poop this dog will have in her whole entire life.

What Is She Thinking About?

As I read Emme‘s latest post I became more frightened for my future.  Fuzzywinkle Furry Pants has control over her and with just a glaring look, she is able to get her to make posters about cats. When Emme’s not looking, the cat sneaks off and tweets too.  You know what they say, kids and technology these days!  We better watch our backs and raise an independent, yet loving ‘child’.

Off to check in on the sock-stealing bundle of joy…